The early warning sirens are used to alert you of a serious nuclear accident, chemical spill, weather emergency, or other possible dangerous condition in Berrien County. The warning sirens will sound for three to five minutes.

In Berrien County, the sirens are tested on the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. The test consists of a short siren sound lasting less than a minute. At other times, you may hear sound-level tests also lasting less than a minute.

Many volunteer fire departments sirens may also sound for less than a minute, but usually the call is repeated. Don't act on rumor or suspicion. Tune to the tv and radio stations whenever you hear sirens.

All of the stations listed take part in the local News Media Notification System (which is similar to the national Emergency Broadcast System) and will broadcast emergency information. However, some stations could experience a few minutes delay in getting out emergency information due to computerized programming or limited broadcast scheduling. Check all listed stations until you find one broadcasting emergency information.

The sirens are controlled by the Berrien County Emergency Management Office. If you notice a siren has been damaged or is not working, please call them at 269-983-7141 at once to report it for your own protection.

Stay indoors until you are told it is safe to go out.

Close all windows and doors.

Turn off all air-intake systems like fans, air conditioning, or combustion heating and fireplace dampers.

Shelter pets and animals, if possible.

Tune to the TV and radio stations below for emergency instructions.

Don't go outside to see what's happening. If you must go outdoors briefly to warn someone during a nuclear emergency, cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth such as a towel or scarf.

Don't use the telephone unless there is a serious need.

Don't try to pick up children at school. School staffs will keep children in school until it is safe to go out again.

Don't worry if you are in a hospital or other special-care facility. You will be protected.

Don't panic! It's your worst enemy in an emergency.

Remember, for most emergencies, it's safer to stay indoors. That's because toxic fumes and gases usually pass in a short time in the direction the wind is blowing. And, during severe weather emergencies, buildings offer the best protection, especially basements. Stay out of your vehicle in a weather emergency.

If you have questions or comments about anything in this part of the site, need more information about emergency planning, or want copies of the Emergency Planning Calendar, call or write either of the offices below.

This information was prepared by American Electric Power in cooperation with the Berrien County Emergency Management Office and the Emergency Management Division of the Michigan Department of State Police.